Over the years, our skin loses its elasticity. With the repeated contraction of facial muscles comes wrinkles. The more dynamic your facial movements, the deeper and more plentiful are these lines.
In the mid 1980’s, the FDA approved a drug, BOTOX®, which can be injected into the fine facial muscles to limit their activity, thus softening the lines. This revolutionary medicine lasts approximately three months, after which time muscle function returns to normal. Additional BOTOX® injections can be given at that time to extend the results.
XEOMIN® was first approved in Europe in 2005, and is now available in over 20 countries. The U.S. FDA approved XEOMIN® in 2011 for the treatment of adults with moderate to sever glabellar lines. The active ingredient of XEOMIN® and BOTOX® is botulinum toxin. Our experience has shown that the products are comparable in action, but XEOMIN® may offer the benefit of longer duration after repeated injections of the product.
Dr. Saloom has been performing BOTOX® injections since 1986, and is one of the most experienced physicians in the U.S. When performed by an experienced physician, such as Dr. Saloom, these injections are safe and reproducible. A very small amount of the solution is injected through a tiny needle in several locations on the face. There is minimal discomfort, allowing the patient to return to normal activities immediately. If temporary bruising occurs at the injection site, make-up may be applied. Other rare side effects include drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of the face caused by migration of the medicine to a surrounding site. Any side effects are temporary, lasting only a few weeks.
BOTOX® Cosmetic and XEOMIN® injections cannot improve facial wrinkles due to aging and sun damaged skin, since this is unrelated to facial muscle contraction. Years of experience show it to work best on forehead frown lines, crow’s feet, and some lip wrinkles. The duration of effect varies from patient to patient and one can expect all of the wrinkles to return within a few months, as the medicine wears off.
If you would like to learn more about BOTOX®, XEOMIN®, and other cosmetic options offered by Dr. Saloom and the Premier Laser Center, please contact our office to schedule a consultation